Igbo people have made their mark in Nigeria’s development – Mbazuluike Amaechi
Nigeria’s only surviving nationalist, one of the founding members of Ohaneze Ndigbo and one of the only surviving elders of Ndigbo, Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi has said that the Igbo people have made their marks in the development of Nigeria. A feat that must be appreciated by all.
Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi stated this in his country home at Ukpor Nnewi when the national executive of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide led by its President General, Professor George Obiozor paid the nonagenarian visit to seek his blessings before embarking on work.
Chief Mbazuluike slowly ran down the chronology of Nigerian pre and post-colonial politics and the strength of Ndigbo in the country’s politico-ethnic setting, an ardent listener would learn a lesson or two that would take them for life.
The elder statesman blessed the new national executive of Ohaneze Ndigbo, urging it to focus on the unity, progress and interests of Igbo people, and not to be distracted by politics and partisan invasion.
Earlier while explaining the essence of the visit, Professor Obiozor, noted that Ndigbo have been neglected for so long in the national inclusiveness of Nigeria, observing that with the blessings and wise counsels from the elder statesman, his tenure would be driven by courage and proper foundational guidance.
In their separate views, the Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo Council of Elders, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanywawu and one of the members of Ime Obi Ohaneze and former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, described Chief Amechi as a figurehead of Igbo’s doggedness and courage, re-emphasizing the indispensability of Ohaneze Ndigbo as the sole and viable voice of Igbo’s ethno-political advancement.
The Vice President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, remarked that with the visit, the new executive has received the proper motivation to get to work, explaining that the interest of Ndigbo in the Nigerian state is sacrosanct.
Other stakeholders who joined in the visit included the Anambra State President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emeka Udodeme, as well other national, state and town executive members of the association.
